Public Release: 14-Jul-2011
Study challenges baby formula claim

Despite the formula being recommended in public health guidelines set out by the
Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, the new study, published online
in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, found there was no benefit in using
hypoallergenic (partially hydrolysed whey) formula to prevent allergies in high-risk infants
up to seven years of age, compared to a conventional cow's milk based formula.

The trial, which is one the largest to test the effect of hypoallergenic baby formula,
involved 620 infants and assessed whether using the formula decreased the risk of
allergy in later life.

Infants in the study were given either hypoallergenic, cow's milk or soy formula after the
cessation of breastfeeding. Allergy testing was undertaken at six, 12 and 24 months and
children were followed up again at six or seven years of age.

Lead authors David Hill, a Senior Consultant Allergist at the Murdoch Childrens
Research Institute and Adrian Lowe, a research fellow at the Murdoch Childrens
Research Institute and the Centre for MEGA Epidemiology, the University of Melbourne
said their findings did not support the recommendations that hypoallergenic formula
should be used after breast feeding as a preventive strategy for infants at high risk of
allergenic disease.

"In our study of high risk children, this 'hypoallergenic' formula did not show any
beneficial effect, when compared with a normal cows' milk based formula, for the
prevention childhood eczema, asthma or hay fever up to seven years of age," Dr Lowe
said.

Dr Hill said: "Our findings do not support the role of hypoallergenic formula for the
prevention of allergic disease. Families at high risk of allergy should continue to be
encouraged to breast feed for the many known benefits associated with breastfeeding."

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